Diamonds have long been treasured for their clarity and fire, two qualities that continue to be defining characteristics of this gemstone. White diamonds are the most well-known variety and are easily the most popular with consumers today.
A Rainbow of Colors
In the natural world diamonds come in a myriad of colors in addition to white. These alternative colors develop as a result of traces of other minerals being present in the ground as a diamond is being formed. Some of the most famous diamonds are renowned for their unique color. The Hope Diamond, for instance, is a beautiful shade of deep blue.
Diamonds are found naturally in the following colors:
- Red
- Blue
- Pink
- Yellow
- Green
- Yellow
- Light Brown
The Modern Diamond Market
In the early twentieth century, diamonds become highly desirable. Like all jewels and precious metals, diamonds have enjoyed periods of greater and lesser popularity; gemstones are subject to trends, just like clothing and cars. The popularity that diamonds experienced a hundred years ago is unique because it has yet to decline; diamonds are still as popular as they were in our parents’ and grandparents’ day.
The sudden boost in popularity that affected diamond sales was due in large part to a widespread cultural interest in engagement rings and bejeweled wedding rings. Before the turn of the twentieth century, wedding rings were either simple gold bands or non-specific rings passed down through the generations of a family. There were no traditional wedding rings in the same way that there are today.
Scholars and historians have noted that large scale advertising campaigns by top American jewelry stores helped popularize the use of engagement rings as a way for couples to solemnize their intention to marry. Men were encouraged to purchase diamond rings before proposing and women were encouraged to expect a diamond ring during a proposal. In this way, a new wedding tradition was born.
More Than Just Wedding Rings
As diamonds gained popularity as a symbol of love and marriage, this beautiful gem became firmly established as the pinnacle of all precious stones. Soon there were necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and brooches created to showcase the jewel; while diamonds have been used for centuries in the creation of fine jewelry, the increasing cultural value of the stones added a premium value to the price of the raw materials and to the finished products.
Thus far, the story of diamonds appears straightforward. Few other products can come close to rivaling the popularity of diamond jewelry as a luxury consumer good. They’ve been immortalized in songs and artwork and are still regarded as the precious gem par excellence. However, it is the diamond’s enduring value that has led to some of the most bloody and long-running conflicts of the twentieth century.
The Problems of the International Diamond Trade
As a mineral, diamonds are relatively common; gemstone grade diamonds, on the other hand, are not. Diamond suppliers and merchants want to sell gems that are of an exceptionally high quality because only these stones have the characteristics that are actively sought by consumers. Thus, those mines that produce gemstone quality diamonds are the ones most likely to make a lot of money. This makes them targets for criminals of all kinds
Some of the highest quality diamonds on earth come from regions of the world plagued with war and extreme political instability. Criminals, bandits, and gangsters have moved in to control the international trade of diamonds; these small, valuable stones are bought and sold by arms dealers and drug smugglers. These illicit diamond dealers leave a trail of death everywhere they go. For this reasons, diamonds from these unstable parts of the world are called “conflict diamonds” or “blood diamonds”.
Alternatives to Diamonds
In response to the growing public awareness of The Global Struggle Against “Blood Diamonds, consumers are now actively searching for alternatives to traditional diamonds. Diamond merchants themselves have wanted to distance themselves from conflict diamonds and have become more particular about where their stones come from. One alternative that diamond enthusiasts have embraced is moisannite. Moisannite jewelry lets consumers enjoy the timeless beauty of diamonds without contributing to this ongoing global conflict.
Stemming the tide of conflict diamonds isn’t easy; politicians, international business leaders, gemstone experts, and everyday consumers have sought to halt the distribution and trade in diamonds from troubled areas of the world. Thanks to the work of scientists and gemologists, consumers now have the option of choosing attractive alternatives to this enduring classic. Though the problem of conflict diamonds is far from solved, the hard work of many people has helped call attention to this far-reaching problem.
